The debate around the access to vaccine and licensing amidst second wave of COVID-19 in India

J World Intellect Prop. 2021 Nov;24(5-6):436-446. doi: 10.1111/jwip.12195. Epub 2021 Aug 2.

Abstract

The guardian of global health signified a "global response" to contain COVID 19 utilising the platform of World Health Organization when the novel virus strain was spreading. The nature of "waves," that is, variable epidemiological patterns and peaks in trajectory, have been inconsistent and myriad in different regions and countries. Many researchers and scholars have deliberated on the possible ways forward to curb or mitigate the effects of the virus; and one such means is through universal vaccination. Hence, this article explores the positions to achieve that goal by looking at the licensing aspect and IP waiver debate and suggests a fine-tuning which balances all the interests, amidst the second wave in India.

Keywords: COVID‐19; IP waiver; compulsory licensing; intellectual property; second wave of COVID‐19.